Epidemiological survey of the prevalence of non-fatal injury among children aged 5-14 years in China.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of non-fatal injuries among children aged 5-14 years in China.

METHODS

Data of 21 973 children aged 5-14 years were extracted from the Fourth National Health Service Survey of China carried out between June 15 and July 10, 2008. Injury-related indicators included: history of ever having had an injury, and injury frequency, cause, location and severity.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of non-fatal injuries among the children in the previous 12 months was 17.0 per 1000 subjects. The leading causes of non-fatal injuries were falls, animal bites, traffic accidents, falling objects and burns. The majority of children sustained only one injury. The main place of injury was at home in 40% and 54% of urban boys and girls, respectively, at school in 48% of rural boys, and at home and at school each in 33% of rural girls. Medical treatment for one day was the main option for 80% of urban boys and girls, 84% of rural boys, and 72% of rural girls.

CONCLUSION

Nonfatal injuries among children aged 5-14 years are a serious public health concern in China.